Apapa, Tin Can Ports Ranked Among World’s Most Improved Ports by World Bank

Apapa, Tin Can Ports Ranked Among World’s Most Improved Ports by World Bank
Enter World Bank’s Top 20 Improved Ports
Dantsoho attributed the progress to the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment

Nigeria’s Apapa and Tin Can Island port complexes have been named among the world’s 20 Most Improved Ports in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), released by the World Bank in June 2026.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the recognition reflects significant improvements in cargo handling, vessel turnaround time and overall operational efficiency at the two major ports, which serve as critical gateways for Nigeria’s international trade.

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The CPPI, jointly developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, is regarded as one of the most respected global benchmarks for measuring port performance. The index evaluates ports based on how efficiently they handle vessels and cargo operations, allowing for comparisons across ports worldwide.

Industry stakeholders say the latest ranking highlights the impact of ongoing reforms and modernization efforts spearheaded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The achievement comes at a time when Nigeria continues to record positive trade figures. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country posted a trade surplus of N7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. Analysts believe improvements in port operations and logistics infrastructure have contributed to the growth in trade activities.

Reacting to the ranking, Dantsoho attributed the progress to the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and attracting investments into the maritime sector.

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He said the policies of President Bola Tinubu had helped drive investments in port infrastructure upgrades and equipment modernization, while the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had strengthened efforts to improve the sector.

According to him, the latest recognition is expected to boost investor confidence and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a strategic hub for regional and international trade.

Also speaking on the development, the NPA’s General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority’s transition toward a paperless and technology-driven port system has contributed significantly to improved efficiency.

He noted that digital reforms have helped reduce vessel waiting time, improve cargo clearance processes, curb corruption and enhance service delivery across port terminals.

Onyemekara explained that the reforms go beyond infrastructure development, adding that the authority is focused on reducing cargo dwell time and eliminating delays associated with manual processes.

He further revealed that the NPA is driving an aggressive digitalisation programme, including the deployment of a Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window platform. The initiatives are designed to integrate stakeholders, simplify documentation processes and improve transparency within the port ecosystem.